December 14, 2011

'Tis the Season: Naughty or Nice and the NCAA

A promotional flier for a "Naughty or Nice" Christmas party at a Fort Myers bar/restaurant has caught the attention of NCAA investigators after four current college players were listed as hosts of the Dec. 23 event.

Brothers Sammy Watkins (Clemson) and Jaylen Watkins (Florida), Brodrick Jenkins (West Virginia) and Spencer Boyd (South Florida) had their names on the flier, which was posted Monday on the Twitter account of Marcus Price, a former Fort Myers High basketball player who is known as DJ LowKey. Price, who will perform at the event, said the flier was being reworked to remove the names of the players.

"We don't want them to get in any trouble," he said.

A spokesperson for the NCAA told the Fort Myers News-Press that the governing body was looking into the matter. NCAA athletes are not allowed to endorse or promote businesses or revenue-generating events outside of their universities. The four players in question are from the Fort Myers area.

Sammy Watkins, a freshman receiver and return specialist, was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference first team. Jaylen, his brother, is a sophomore safety who had 32 tackles.

Jenkins, a sophomore defensive back, had 22 tackles and two interceptions. Boyd is a redshirt freshman defensive back who was suspended for the Bulls' final three games.